🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory. Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery. The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion. Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame. Securing Top Spot The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to play. For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture. The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Conclusion Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw. Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair. The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross. The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick. The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback. The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery. Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.